Bahá’í News/Issue 336/Text
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| No. 336 | BAHA’I YEAR 115 | FEBRUARY, 1959 |
Unity — Tender and Compassionate
WHENEVER religion becomes a matter of passive belief and the performance of ritual, human society reveals fatal symptoms of self-destruction. At such a time the Prophet manifests the Divine Will, revealed as hope to those who recognize Him but as terror to those who deny.
In the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh the nature and purpose of religion is for the first time completely unveiled. We who recognize in Bahá’u’lláh the Word of God are called upon to demonstrate what faith in God actually means at this stage in the evolution of man and society.
For Bahá’ís not only have access to truth; we not only have before us supreme examples of heroism and sacrifice; we not only stand obligated to exercise certain virtues and qualities; above all we are spiritual.ly obligated to establish the new world order, with its local, national, and international elective institutions.
It is through the Bahá’í community that the blessings of the new day are poured forth. The more unified and active our community, the greater the bounty received in terms of assurance, justice, peace, brotherhood, and true progress.
Your National Spiritual Assembly is grieved and shocked to report a poor attendance at state conventions and a small number of votes cast by mail. Such a situation appears as a symptom of an ill that must be cured before it becomes a disaster to ourselves, our nation, our religion, and to the world.
Is the potency of our faith so weak that we tend to reduce the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to mere passive beliefs? Have we become like the Christians, whose religion no longer guides the individual nor determines the great issues of a civilization?
Beloved friends! Your National Spiritual Assembly appeals to every individual believer to realize that our first and most important Bahá’í obligation is to take an active part in the life of the Bahá’í community. Let us each resolve to attend each Nineteen-Day Feast With a heartfelt devotion to our fellow—believers. Let us share our resources with the local and national Bahá’í Funds. Let us open our homes for teaching inquirers. Let us realize that from day to day our individual lives, unassuming though they may outwardly appear, contain the germ of superhuman quality and influence bestowed upon us by our Creator. The buried seed cannot yield up its treasure in cold, hard earth, nor can our latent virtues and capacities manifest their powers in an indifferent personality.
It is not for any of us to cherish indifference as a reaction to what other believers do or fail to do. We each stand forth in the eyes of God as His Creation, meriting His blessing or His condemnation, as weighed in the scales of perfect love and justice. As others join us in our effort to create unity, the rivulet of individual resolve becomes the irresistible torrent.
Upon the Bahá’ís of the world rests the future destiny of mankind. We who call ourselves Bahá’ís, let us disclose the mystery of faith to our fellow men. This is the eloquence which surpasses the powers of speech, the understanding which human education can never bestow. Unity, tender and compassionate, can alone survive the imminent perils of our day.
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
William Sears, Hand of the Cause, To Serve in the Western Hemisphere[edit]
The American Hands of the Cause have been informed by the Hands of the Faith in the Holy Land that it has been decided William Sears “will proceed to the Western Hemisphere and reside there for the present. He will serve with the other Hands of the Cause residing in that hemisphere.”
When Mr. Sears arrives in America plans will be formulated under which he will visit local communities in the United States, and as far as possible in Alaska and Canada.
—CORINNE TRUE
HORACE HOLLEY
First Visit of a Hand of the Cause to Fiji and Samoa Islands Brings Great Bounty to Bahá’ís and Warm Public Reception[edit]
HAND of the Cause Enoch Olinga, following his nine day visit to New Zealand in October 1958 (January BAHÁ’Í NEWS), journeyed to Fiji and Samoa, where he and the Message he brought were as warmly received as in New Zealand.
On Sunday evening, October 26, Miss Lily Buksh had the great bounty and privilege of meeting and welcoming the first Hand of the Cause to visit the Fiji Islands. From the very moment that he stepped from the plane, Enoch Olinga radiated love and joy to all he met. Even the Fijian porters refused to take the customary tip for carrying his luggage, as they felt that here, indeed, was someone different.
The following morning Mr. Olinga was driven by friends to Sigatoka, where it had been arranged that he contact an isolated Fijian Bahá’í who was able to introduce him to several friends, and a small gathering ensued that evening. The result was that some Indian school teachers were so impressed that they sent a special request to Suva that they be allowed to arrange a public meeting for him to address upon his return from Samoa. This was agreed upon.
Reproduction of a photo-mural in the Israeli Pavillion
at the Brussels World’s Fair, showing the Bay of ‘Akká,
the city Haifa, and the Shrine of the Báb.
First Public Proclamation of Faith in Suva[edit]
On Tuesday Mr. Olinga arrived in Suva, where he spent forty-three crowded hours before leaving for Apia. He was first taken to the radio station, where an interview was recorded. Then he was taken by a Fijian Bahá’í for an interview with a reporter of the local newspaper. As a result of this, a sympathetic article on the Bahá’í Teachings appeared in the press on the morning of the public meeting.
His first evening in Suva was spent with the Bahá’ís who had gathered at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds to meet him. After lovingly greeting everyone, he conveyed words of greeting from the Hands of the Faith in Haifa, and from the Bahá’ís of Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
He spoke of his experiences with the Guardian, and emphasized the Guardians words that in these days it was not enough just to agree and sympathize with the fine ideals of the Bahá’í Faith. We must be converted to the Faith. But conversion was not enough, we had to have faith. But faith was not enough alone, we had to have great love. And even that was not enough, we had to teach the people and spread the Cause throughout all the peoples of the world. The Bahá’ís should not remain passive, but should become dynamic.
Previously the Fijian Bahá’ís had worked quietly among the people, without attracting any public attention, but with such a distinguished visitor coming it was determined to seize the opportunity to come out into the open. The task was then to make sure that the Suva Town Hall was filled for this occasion.
The public meeting was advertised over the radio in both the Hindustani and Fiji languages, 400 invitations Were distributed, and the information was passed around verbally.
As a result people of four races, representing five major religions, packed into Town Hall. It was estimated that over 400 persons listened raptly, sympathetically, and admiringly to Mr. Olinga’s message. The leaders of an Indian religious society approached the Bahá’ís with a plea that they be allowed to arrange another public meeting during the few days that he would be in Suva upon his return from Samoa, and that the Bahá’ís were to be their invited guests.
Early Thursday morning Enoch Olinga left by flying boat for Apia.
Bus Load of Bahá’ís Give Samoan Welcome[edit]
On the day of Mr. Olinga’s arrival in Samoa, October Z9, the friends hired a bus to travel the twenty-two miles to the airport to welcome him. On the way[Page 3]
stops were made at the different villages to gather
those friends that could come, and by the time the airport was reached about thirty believers eagerly
awaited the arrival of their first Hand of the Cause
and their first African brother.
Model of the Bahá’í House of Worship now under construction near Sydney, Australia.
How lovingly he met the friends, and how they returned his love! Soon he was laden with the South
Pacific Welcome, as lei upon lei of beautiful fragrant
blossoms were laid upon his shoulders. After greeting
the friends he gave a short talk in which he conveyed
the love and greetings of the revered Hands of the
Cause in the Holy Land and the friends in all the countries he had visited.
That evening an assembly meeting had been arranged to officially welcome Mr. Olinga, and to discuss with him the many problems confronting the assembly, particularly teaching work. During this session much valuable guidance was given by Mr. Olinga, and his comments were of great benefit to the assembly. No public meetings, press, or radio interviews were arranged, as the assembly did not think it wise at the present stage of development of the Faith in the Samoan Islands.
A special meeting for close contacts in the Apia area was held on Thursday night, and about twenty people attended. Mr. Olinga gave an inspiring talk on the Faith, and this was followed by a spirited discussion for several hours.
on Friday evening a meeting of all the Bahá’ís of the Samoan Islands had been arranged. The Bahá’ís and their contacts totalled over fifty persons, listening to Mr. Olinga’s words and asking many questions.
As the friends in the villages wanted to show their hospitality and gratitude, and time was limited, they decided to combine into two meetings. On Saturday, November 1, a party of the Apia friends accompanied Mr. Olinga to Fasito’outai, where the Bahá’ís of the village of Fasitdouta, Nofoali’i, and Fasito’otai had arranged a meeting. He was made ceremoniously welcome in a false (Samoan house), beautifully decorated for the occasion, by the chiefs of the villages, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, and speeches of welcome were made.
Highest Samoan Honor Given by Chiefs[edit]
Mr. Olinga gave a short talk in reply on the unity of mankind and religion. This was followed by the king’s kava ceremony, which is the highest honor that can be offered in Samoan custom. He was then presented with a kava root, and another was presented by the Bahá’ís, to be taken to the Holy Land.
In Samoa the fale has no fixed walls, and so all afternoon people came by, watched, and listened. Many chlidren gathered around, as if drawn by a magnet. The Bahá’í children presented a beautiful program, and many were moved to tears to hear the gems of Bahá’u’lláh from their lips.
The villages then served a feast, Samoan style, for all present. When Mr. Olinga departed, he left behind him an excited throng of people.
Construction of the Australian Bahá’í House of Worship
near Sydney had reached this stage in November 1958.
Sunday afternoon was devoted to a meeting of the Leauva’a, Malie and Afega Bahá’í groups. It was held in LeauVa’a at the home of one of the Bahá’ís, and was attended by several non-Bahá’í chiefs and contacts. Here Mr. Olinga was again welcomed, and he spoke about the Faith. Much time was devoted to questions and answers, which were most fruitful. This was followed by a Samoan feast.
That evening many of the friends called to say fare well, and to listen to Mr. Olinga’s words for the last time. He lovingly presented each Bahá’í family with a beautiful picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and there were tears in many eyes.
Very early the next morning he left by car for the airport, but even at that hour the friends in the villages were gathered at the roadside along his route for one last farewell and the placing of the fragrant flowered leis upon his shoulders.
No words can adequately express the spirit, love, and harmony that pervaded all these meetings in Samoa. The friends said it was as if the hearts were singing. It was a tremendous experience for the local believers, whose horizons had been widened, whose devotion had been deepened, and whose desire to serve the Cause has been manifestly increased.
Return to Fiji[edit]
Mr. Olinga’s first appointment upon his arrival back in the Fiji Islands was a visit to a village school. It had been his special request that he be enabled to visit a Fijian village, and a Bahá’í school master had arranged that Mr. Olinga might visit the village where he was teaching.
He addressed the children after being entertained with song and dance, and later spoke informally to their teachers over a cup of tea. Before leaving, the Bahá’í visitors were invited to a Fijian bure for a delicious meal of native foods. The journey back up the river late at night was very relaxing, and those present will long cherish pleasant memories of his voice rising above the sound of the motor as he taught the party its first Bahá’í song.
First Bahá’í burial ground in Japan, located in Ashiyashhi. The land, 623 square meters in area, was purchased by A. Katrai, pioneer from Írán, and donated
to the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia
for use by Bahá’ís of the Osaka area.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Nuku’-
alofa, Tonga, formed an April 21, 1958, and incorporated
in November. This is the first local assembly of the
Tango islands, a U.S. goal.
The second public meeting in Suva was held in a
motion picture theater which had been loaned to the
Bahá’ís free of charge. Once again almost 400 people of many races and religions gathered to hear his
address.
Mr. Olinga left Suva early next morning for his last appointment in Sigatoka. Some of the friends gathered at the bus stop to bid him farewell, and as he left a much-needed rain gently began to fall, to mingle with the tears of the friends.
The public meeting arranged by the friends at Sigatoka also proved to be most successful, and although this is only a small township, almost 300 people gathered to welcome him and to hear his message.
The hearts of the friends in all of Fiji are very full as a result of Enoch Olinga’s Visit. It is their earnest intention to foster the growth of the many seeds sown by his visit, to keep the Faith before the public, and to rededicate themselves anew to the great tasks that lie ahead.
National Spiritual Assembly of South Pacific To be Formed in Suva, Fiji Islands, in April[edit]
The formation of the first Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the South Pacific will take place in Suva, Fiji Islands, during the first Annual Convention of the believers of that area on April 24-26, 1959.
This is one of the World Crusade goals assigned by
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of
the Bahá’ís of the United States. A teaching conference
the day preceding the Convention will be open to all[Page 5]
Bahá’ís, whether delegates or visitors. The following
information will be helpful to believers planning to
attend:
First Bahá’í group of Phnom-Penh, Cambodia, with
Jamshed Fozdar, member of the Auxiliary Board for
Asia.
1. Visas will be required by all non-British subjects.
Applications for visas should be made to the nearest
British Consulate.
2. All must have a return ticket and sufficient funds for the period of their stay In Suva, or be in possession of a sea or air ticket to a destination outside the Fiji Islands to which he or she has right of entry.
3. All must carry small pox inoculation certificates, except people from New Zealand and the surrounding Pacific islands.
4. Native peoples are not normally carried by shipping or air lines without prior approval of the Immigration Department. It is very important, therefore, that the names and addresses of native Bahá’ís planning to attend the Convention be sent to the Convention Arrangements Committee in Suva so that it may take the necessary steps to obtain clearance.
5. Requests for hotel or other housing reservations should be sent to the Convention Arrangements Committee giving the expected date of arrival and the anticipated length of stay. The living costs per day range from £3.5 to £ 1.76 (Fiji pounds). The address of the Committee is: Miss Irene Jackson. c/o Fiji Broadcasting Commission, P. O. Box 334, Suva, Fiji Islands.
6. All Bahá’ís expecting to attend the Convention and/or teaching conference must carry with them proper credentials from their National Spiritual Assembly.
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Bahá’í International Community Takes Part In Recent United Nations Activities[edit]
Our collective international relations with the United Nations have been greatly strengthened in recent months through the following developments.
The Bahá’í International Community was authorized to appoint observers to attend a conference of African nations held in Addis Ababa for ten days beginning December 29. Three observers were requested to serve: Ali Nakhjavani. Gila Behta and Charles Hassan.
The United Nations for the first time has published a “list of non-governmental organizations recognized by the United Nations Office of Public Information for 1958.” Photostats of the pages bearing the titles and the name of the Bahá’í International Community have been sent the various national spiritual assemblies as a prestige item.
Twenty-six national assemblies have sent Bahá’í International Community letters endorsing the Genocide Convention as follows:—“Since the teaching and practice of the oneness of mankind is the cornerstone of the religion revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, His followers throughout our jurisdiction recognize the vital importance of the Genocide Convention for assuring the protection of small and helpless races and peoples.”
—BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
National By-Laws Amended to Provide For Alaska’s Admission as a State[edit]
Since the Territory of Alaska has become a State of the United States, but possesses its own independent and permanent National Spiritual Assembly, the By-Laws of the Declaration of Trust have had to be amended so as to recognize this fact.
The amendment appears in the National By-Laws, Article 2, which now reads as follows: “The Bahá’ís of the United States, for whose benefit this trust is maintained, shall consist of all persons resident in the several States, Territories or Federal Districts of the United States, except Alaska, who are accepted by the National Spiritual Assembly as fulfilling the requirements of membership in the Bahá’í community. . .,” etc.
Believers are requested to add the words “except Alaska” to their personal copies of the Declaration of Trust. This amendment will be included in the next printing of the pamphlet.
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRTUAL ASSEMBLY
Bahá’í school of Trung Giang, Central Vietnam. The
Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, in the background, serves also as the
school building.
Teaching Tour of Chile by National Assembly Representative Includes Visit to Southernmost Community of Bahá’í World[edit]
AN EXTENDED teaching tour throughout Chile was made in October and November 1958 by Salvador Tormo as representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of Argentina. Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Following are some of the interesting highlights of his trip:
In Punta Arenas, the friends received the visiting Bahá’í’ with great joy, saying: “We often have the sensation of being on another continent due to our geographic isolation.” His opening words were: “Punta Arenas can be proud of being in a strategic place in the world spiritually. It is like a lighthouse in the southernmost part of the world.” Excellent publicity was given in the newspaper Prensa Austral and Sr. Tormo, with Sra. Dora de Handler, spoke over Radio Polar on the topic: “New Horizons.”
How necessary it is that those who can travel Visit isolated Punta Arenas, is reflected in their local Bulletin: “Our community feels spiritually renewed . . . his words of stimulation invigorated our spirits and hearts and gave us the necessary energy to begin a new era of greater activities.” Rúḥíyyih Khánum wrote to this community in January 1958: “Your Community had a special place in the heart of our beloved Guardian . . . he attributed great importance to the Lamp of Bahá’u’lláh which shines in that southernmost goal of our Faith.”
On Chiloé Island, where the lone pioneer, Mrs. Louise Groger, stays steadfastly at her post, Sr. Tormo was able to give the Message to nine of her contacts. Later she wrote that one lady returned with her daughter the next day to talk about “What is a Bahá’í?” and promised to invite other neighbors to come to learn about the Faith.
Meeting held during the Regional Teaching Conference
at Quilpué, Chile, in November 1958.
Mrs. Louise Groger at her pioneer post on Chiloé
Islands. She markets her vegetables, and states that
prospective pioneers can earn a living from the land.
In Santiago a number of meetings were held, as well
as a radio talk and interview with the editor of the
newspaper La Nacion.
In nearby Vina del Mar, Sr. Tormo had the moving experience of talking over the radio, addressing words to the Juan Fernandez Island Bahá’ís, giving his loving greetings to them and the inhabitants of that island, The friends were delighted to hear his voice, as Sr.
Sr. Tormo giving a talk over Radio Polar at Punta
Arenas, Chile, in October 1958.
Some of the farm workers who were given the Bahá’í
Message at Loncoche, Chile, on the site of the Temple
Land, National Endowment, and annual Bahá’í Summer
School, October 1958.
and Sra. Tormo were the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh who
brought to birth their first local assembly.
In Loncoche, Sr. Tormo spoke to nineteen farmworkers on the grounds where the Temple site and National Endowment is located, and Where the Loncoche International Bahá’í Summer School is held nine days each summer. In the little city of Loncoche, the editor of the newspaper La Epoca asked him to stay an extra day to give a public talk. The decision was quickly made and Sr. Tormo, with Sra. Fabienne Guillon, made a house-to-house visit that same night, giving personal invitations to attend the meeting.
The next day forty-five people came to hear the talk, including the important people of the town. The topic was: “Is There a Solution for This World Crisis?” After his departure, Srat Guillon told of her happiness to learn that the Bahá’í Teachings were being discussed “on all the street corners of the town.” A number of residents have expressed their interest in attending the forthcoming Summer School.
Bahá’í meeting in Punta Arenas, Chile, in October 1958,
with National Assembly representative Salvador Tormo, front center.
In Quilpué, the Valparaiso and Quilpué friends, and
others able to attend, held a successful Regional Teaching Conference of about forty Bahá’ís. Sr. Tormo said:
“It was a marvelous conference, characterized by an
elevated spirit of unity.” The owner of the salon where
the public meeting was held expressed his feelings eloquently with the desire to become a Bahá’í. The deliberations of the conference in the gardens of the
Bulling home were also “magnificient,” with the “manifestation of the spirit of hospitality and love of that
Bahá’í family.”
There, too, a joyful surprise awaited Sr. Tormo as two married couples with their children, and another young man from Juan Fernandez Island (all now living on the mainland of Chile), came forward to embrace him.
Leaving Chile, Sr. Tormo visited briefly Mendoza, Argentina, where a poignant incident took place, reminding us of the prisoners’ plea to the Frankfurt Conference to search out those in the prisons and give them the Message.
A young prisoner had become interested in the Faith and had a copy of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era in prison with him. Sr. Tormo was given permission to visit him, although it was not a scheduled visiting day. The young man spoke enthusiastically and intelligently about the Teachings, saying that if Sr. Tormo had come the next day, he would have introduced several other young men to whom he was giving the Teachings.
As they took leave of each other, the prison guard and chief standing nearby were greatly affected to see the two men embrace each other as a father would embrace a loved son. Sr. Tormo later said: “I felt impelled to give him a strong embrace . . . the emotion I felt at that time is unexplainable . . . a heavenly experience.”
“Fruits of the Ten-Year Crusade”: Sr. Tormo with
Juan Fernández Island Bahá’ís and their children at
Quilpué, Chile, in November 1958.
Brussels Assembly Publicizes Relationship of Faith to United Nations Organization[edit]
Bahá’ís of Belgium ably demonstrated their sincere interest and cooperation with the work of United Nations in 1958. Brussels, Antwerp, Charleroi, and Liege Bahá’ís held public meetings in each city with good newspaper publicity resulting. L’Afrique et le Monde, published in Brussels. gave twenty-seven column inches to a story on the principles of the Faith, and its re-relationship to United Nations, following a public talk given at the Brussels Center.
As a member of the Bahá’í International Community represented by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, the Brussels Assembly has been placed on the regular mailing list for documentation and visual aids produced by UNESCO and distributed from Paris. Sufficient copies are supplied to provide each community and group in Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg.
Kampala Assembly Secures Land For a Bahá’í Burial Ground[edit]
Formal application for land for a Bahá’í cemetery to the Kampala, Uganda, Municipal Council has been made by the Kampala Local Spiritual Assembly, following preliminary inquiries.
A meeting was called with the Medical Officer of Health, and the Parks and Cemeteries Superintendent, and a piece of land was offered in one of the municipal cemeteries. This was accepted by the Kampala Assembly, and by December 4, 1958, all details were cleared up and a plot of land was marked out for the Bahá’í Faith in the Nakawa Cemetery.
The Bahá’í plot is pleasantly located. shaded with tall eucalyptus trees, and has a metalled road to its entrance. It is almost 1200 square yards in area, with space for about forty graves.
A fence of flowering shrubbery ensures its privacy from the surrounding graveyards, and the Bahá’ís have permission to improve the hedge, to lay out paths, and generally to make it a place of simple beauty.
Northwest Africa Teaching Committee Issues Bi-Monthly Newsorqan, “The Crusader”
Northwest Africa’s Regional Teaching Committee Number Seven for Liberia and Sierra Leone recently distributed the first issue of its publication, The Crusader.
The objectives of the newsorgan, according to the introductory statement made by the RTC, are to serve as “a source of news, hope, and inspiration" to the friends, to act as a means of promulgating official notices, and to help unite the region in itself and each believer to the international Bahá’í community. In an excellent effort to achieve these objectives the nine-page paper devoted space almost equally to each.
The leading news item was a report on the construction of the Mother Temple of Africa. It spoke of problems concerning the erection of the dome structure and the finish work, which is scheduled for completion by mid-1959. Another item welcomed the timely return of a pioneer to Liberia. Two others saluted indigenous pioneers who are currently serving at difficult, isolated posts.
The notices for the two-month period included the scheduled meetings of the three local spiritual assemblies, weekly public meetings and a detachable reminder-calendar of Nineteen-Day Feasts and Holy Days.
In several articles the paper fulfilled its function as a source of instructive information. Various aspects of the Bahá’í life were touched upon, and the first of a series of “Health and Home” was presented.
The friends in Area Seven are to be congratulated on their achievement. The Crusader is a paper proudly added to the family of Bahá’í publications.
40 Bahá’ís of Eritrea and Ethiopia Attend Third Annual Summer School in Asmara[edit]
The third Bahá’í Summer School of Asmara, Eritrea, held on August 23 to 31, 1958, was an attempt to fulfill the wishes of the Guardian, when, in his cable of September 1957 addressed to Asmara, he assured the friends of his fervent prayers for the expansion of this important institution. Adiugri, a small village about sixty kilometers outside Asmara, was chosen to witness the sowing of the “establishment of order in the world and of the tranquillity of its people. . . .”
During a whole week over forty friends lived together in the Hotel Eellavista, sharing the same spirit, devotional gatherings, Holy Writings, classes, discussions, and recreation.
Friends from many places in Eritrea and Ethiopia came to partake of this true Bahá’í life: Addis Ababa, Gondar, Adiqualla, Massawa, Agordat, Barentu, and Asmara. A further blessing was the presence of Eritrean Bahá’í ladies among the new believers that were attending their first summer school.
A diversified program covered these subjects: “Bahá’í Administration” by Charles Hassan of Addis Ababa, “Bahá’í History” by Dr. Hushang Ahdieh of Asmara, “Islam” by Mrs. Jeanne Mesbah of Asmara, “The Laws and Ordinances of Bahá’u’lláh” by Dr. Farhoumand, and “Meditation” by Dr. Walter Niederreiter.
In the evenings, Mrs. Niederreiter, who had recently returned from Frankfurt, Germany, spoke about the Intercontinental Conference there. Her eloquent way of presenting the spirit of this conference was deeply felt by everyone.
Interesting and important discussions followed every session, especially after reading Teaching Problems by Rúḥíyyih Khánum.
The youth of Asmara showed their desire to deepen their knowledge as Bahá’ís by taking an active part in all the activities of the school.
To close this wonderful summer school, the Youth Committee of Asmara presented a play, “The Assembly’s Growing Pains,” by Rúḥíyyih Khánum. This play was later filmed as a record of this historical summer school, which is “to evolve into the Bahá’í universities of the future.”
—JEANNE MESBAH
Asmara Bahá’í Community Attains New Goals for Faith[edit]
Top left: The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Asmara, Eritrea, which received legal recognition as a religious body by the Government of Eritrea on November 13, 1953.
Lower left: Third annual Bahá’í Summer School held
at Asmara on August 23-31, 1958.
Top right: Bahá’ís of Asmara attending a recent youth
conference.
Lower right: Land for the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Asmara. Another goal recently achieved is the acquisition and government approval of a burial ground for the Asmara Bahá’í community.
Religious and Civic Groups Join in Observante of Human Rights Day at Bahá’í Temple[edit]
A tenth anniversary celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was held in Foundation Hall of the Bahá’í Temple on the evening of December 8, co-sponsored by the Bahá’ís in surrounding communities and the following religious and civic organizations: Evanston Human Relations Council; United Nations Association of Evanston; North Shore Human Relations Council; American Jewish Committee, and the Catholic Interracial Council.
An appropriate atmosphere was established for the meeting by the playing of a recording, loaned by Station WEAW of Evanston, of the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights made by Sir Laurence Olivier, the English actor, at the first anniversary of that Declaration in New York City.
Dr. John Slawson of New York City, member of the executive committee of the United States National Commission to UNESCO, and executive vice-president of the American Jewish Committee, was the keynote speaker, reviewing in an authoritative manner the historic first Universal Declaration, the progress made since that time, and the weaknesses and problems that presently exist, making impossible a realization of the full import of that Declaration.
A four-member panel, as follows, then proceeded to comment on various aspects of the bill of human rights, its successes and failures: civil, Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira, member of the Bahá’í Auxiliary Teaching Board and professor of languages at Tennessee A. and I. State University, Nashville; religious, Rev. Tyler Thompson, professor at Garrett Biblical Institute; economic, Dr. Paul Mundy, head of Dept. of Sociology at Loyola University; cultural, Maurice E. Mitchell, president of Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, Inc. Each panelist commented ably on his respective field, the latter three stressing mostly conditions that exist in the home communities of this area.
Bahá’í display recently used in a bookstore window in
Porto Alegre, Brazil. Similar displays have been exhibited in Curitiba, Sim Paula, Rio de Janeiro, Bahia,
and Jundiai.
After the panelists’ presentations, a very lively discussion period followed, with numerous questions being asked. This enabled Dr. Pereira to illustrate ways
in which the Bahá’í Teachings apply to problems of
human relations and human rights, and how they are
resolved in the Bahá’í community.
A literature table, located near the entrance to Foundation Hall, permitted each sponsoring group to display literature on its organization, as well as materials on the Declaration of Human Rights. In addition to this a special leaflet was prepared, giving some background on each organization and placed on all of the chairs so that each guest could have a copy.
In spite of extremely inclement Weather, with hazardous driving conditions and sub-zero temperature. there was an attendance of over 200, about half of what was anticipated had the weather not been so severe.
This tenth anniversary celebration had its inception when the National Spiritual Assembly approved a suggestion from the Evanston Bahá’í Assembly, who were in turn asked to take the initiative in planning such a meeting, with the support and co-operation of the Wilmette, Winnetka, Waukegan, Chicago, Maywood, Elmhurst, Batavia, and Oak Park Bahá’í communities.
All planning, publicity, and preparation of several thousand invitational flyers (which the American Jewish Committee prepared at no cost in their Chicago office) was handled by a central planning committee composed of one representative from each sponsoring group. Mrs. Eunice Braun, chairman of the Evanston Bahá’í Assembly, represented the Bahá’ís on this committee, and took the initial steps in contacting and consulting with the other organizations that eventually resulted in a plan for the co-sponsored meeting. Mrs. Braun also opened the meeting, welcoming the guests to the Temple on behalf of the Bahá’ís, and extending an invitation to visit the Temple auditorium after the meeting, which was kept open and lighted for this purpose. All of the speakers, and many guests, accepted this invitation, this being the first visit for many of them to the Bahá’í Temple.
Lee Thorpe of Evanston, chairman of the Evanston and also the North Shore Human Relations Councils, acted as moderator for the meeting.
At the request of the committee, three members were suggested as hosts to the speaker and panelists at a dimer preceeding the meeting, as follows: Lee Thorpe, chairman of the planning committee: Dr. Walter Zand, chairman of the Chicago chapter of the American Jewish Committee, through whose auspices Dr. Slawson was obtained as a speaker; and Mrs. Eunice Braun of the Evanston Assembly. This meeting enabled the speaker and panelists to get acquainted with each other, and to make arrangements for the best order of presentation at the meeting. It was noted that quite a number of questions concerning the Faith were asked at this dinner, and Dr. Slawson, who showed a deep and respectful interest, reflected this in his opening comments at the public meeting in Foundation Hall.
Dr. Sarah Pereira has reported that upon her re[Page 11]
turn to Nashville she received an invitation from Mrs.
Johnson of Fisk University, widow of the late, famed
president of Fisk, and present chairman of the National Council of Negro Women in Nashville, to give a
report on the Wilmette observance at their next meeting in Nashville. Dr. Pereira feels that this offers a
much-desired opportunity to make contact with Negro
leaders of Nashville and acquaint them with the distinguishing features of the Bahá’í Faith.
The meeting itself offered excellent opportunity to make contact with several leading organizations, as well as with the outstanding speakers who participated in the program, and the many guests who attended.
Beverly Hills Human Rights Day Observance Attracts Many New Contacts to Faith[edit]
Beverly Hills, Calif., commemorated the tenth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with a meeting at the YMCA, attended by 100 persons, the majority of them guests who had had little or no contact previously with the Faith.
A well-planned program began with a showing of the film, “Lady From Philadelphia,” starring Marian Anderson, who was recently appointed as U.S. delegate to the Thirteenth General Assembly of the UN. The film, first presented on the Edward R. Murrow television program last year, covered Miss Anderson’: trip through the Far East as an emissary of the US! State Department, and was a vivid expression of the theme of Human Rights.
Miss Helene Boughton, vice president of the Los Angeles chapter of the UN Association, spoke on the historical background of the Declaration and on current developments in upholding it within the UN. Charles Wolcott, member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, followed, expressing the Bahá’í viewpoint that all “human” rights originate with God.
The Beverly Hills Bahá’ís feel that the program, along with the fellowship that developed through a social period following it, and the literature presented to the guests, did much to encourage the interest of about twelve persons wishing to make a further study of the Faith.
In addition to personal contacts, many types of publicity were used to attract attention to the meeting, including newspaper ads, a feature story in the local newspaper, spot announcements on local radio stations, and invitation-programs sent to many civic, cultural and service organizations.
Four Faiths Participate in Panel Discussion at Human Rights Day Observance in Boise[edit]
The observance of Human Rights Day in Boise, Idaho, November 29, was sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Boise and Ada County communities in the YWCA in Boise. The speakers represented the Buddhist, Jewish, and Christian faiths, with Mrs. Jesrna Herbert presenting the Bahá’í view. This was the best attended meeting held by the Bahá’ís for some time, there being fifty-one present, of whom twenty-three were guests. A Negro minister of the local Baptist Church was much impressed by Mrs. Herbert’s presentation. The Jewish speaker stated he had never appeared on a panel with anyone so well-qualified.
A direct result of this meeting was an invitation from the Presbyterian Church for a Bahá’í youth speaker. An invitation also was received from the Buddhist speaker to attend the opening of the new Buddhist Temple in Ontario, Ore., in February.
Correction in Message from Hands of Cause[edit]
The friends are requested to make the following correction in their copies of the Message from the Hands of the Cause dated November 30, 1958, which they received as an insert in the January issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS: page 1, second column, fifth last line, to read “the twenty-second year of its unfoldment . . .”
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Bahá’í Booth at Utah State Fair Attracts Many Thousands of Visitors[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Utah recently united in a state-wide effort to present the Bahá’í Faith to the public by preparing a well planned booth at the Utah State Fair in Salt Lake City. More than half the population of Utah attended from September 12-22, offering a unique teaching opportunity to the Bahá’ís.
Bahá’í booth at the Utah State Fair in Salt Lake City
from September 12-22, 1958.
Bahá’í communities of Utah assisted in the work of
financing, building, and manning the booth. Utah is
fortunate in having Bahá’ís of many talents, with the
result that the 16x16 foot square booth gradually took[Page 12]
on a professional appearance.
The booth had a prize-winning appearance, from the draped ceiling to the carpeted floor. Symbols of the world’s religions, Bahá’í principles, and the names of the Divine Revelators, strikingly lettered in brilliant gold on a soft black background, decorated the walls. Tasteful furnishings from Bahá’í homes, and plants in green and red effectively set off the simple decor. Four spotlights illuminated the points of interest.
The booth was open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and was well served by Bahá’ís. The paid personnel of surrounding booths were constantly amazed by the spirit of service shown by the Bahá’ís.
It was an exciting experience! When crowds were large, Bahá’ís, who “never convert,” talked to interested people in the booth, and even went out into the aisle to “buttonhole” more timid souls. Fifteen hundred pieces of Bahá’í literature were given out selectively. to prevent careless discarding of it on the fairgrounds. A guest book was kept on the counter for the names of those desiring additional literature or notice of future meetings.
It would seem likely that half of the 250,000 visitors passed the Bahá’í booth, and, in doing so, had an opportunity to learn of the Bahá’í principles. Never before has the Faith been so widely presented to the public in the State of Utah. The effort was extremely rewarding in the spread of the Message, as well as to all of the individual Bahá’ís who served. A large percentage of the Bahá’ís of the state joined in a spirit of service and, as a result, a new unity was found. All of those who cooperated in this effort, have been made aware of “a grace vouchsafed unto him who serves.”
Conway, Ark., Methodist Student Movement Studies Bahá’í Faith at Hendrix College[edit]
The Methodist Students’ Movement of the First Methodist Church of Conway, Ark., which draws its membership from Hendrix College and the State Teachers College, invited Paul Pettit and Eldon Dennis to speak on the Bahá’í Faith on November 16, as a part of their study of various religions.
The Bahá’ís were invited to spend the entire day with this group, and the whole day was spent in talking with them about the Faith. The day began at 9:45 am. with a lecture at the church on the general principles of the Faith, attended by about forty-five persons.
During lunch at Hendrix College a group of nineteen asked questions and sought additional information, then this group adjourned to the Faculty Lounge for further discussion lasting more than two hours.
This was followed by dinner at the church, attended by about forty persons, during which time the students at the individual tables asked one question after another. When dinner was over an hour’s discussion of questions and answers followed, with fifty-six attending. When time ran out the questions were curtailed, nd the meeting was brought to a close with a Bahá’í prayer. However, about twenty students stayed and asked questions on an informal basis.
Second annual Summer School held at Asuncion, Paraguay, on December 13-14, 1958.
Over 200 pieces of literature were distributed during
the day, and many sincere comments and expressions
of appreciation were given to Mr. Pettit and Mr.
Dennis. The college president and the program chairman remarked that the Bahá’í Faith was the most
interesting religion they had studied.
Southern Rhodesia and Northern Mozambique Hold Area Teaching Conference[edit]
The Area Teaching Committee of Southern Rhodesia and Northern Mozambique held a successful Teaching Conference on November 15-16, 1958.
Bahá’ís came from Bulawayo, and almost every Bahá’í from the Salisbury area attended at least one of the sessions.
The theme of the conference was “Deepening.” Lengthly and interesting discussions were held on these questions: What is the purpose of deepening, and How can we deepen ourselves in the Faith?
In his opening remarks Hastings l-lojane, chairman of the conference, said, “I wish you to join together in prayer and devotion.” He said he believed that everyone realized the importance of the Area Teaching Committee, and told us that we had come with two baskets within us, one full and the other empty. it was everyone’s duty to empty the one which was full, and to fill the other. By joining in the consultation and giving ideas, the full basket would be emptying; by listening and taking notes of what others said, we were filling the empty basket.
The workshop method proved very successful, and all discussions were more clearly understood when they were presented in a summary. It was brought out that the purpose of deepening was to enable us to stand fast and firmly as a tree with our roots firmly embedded in the teachings, and that we were not to be swayed from our truth. We can effectively deepen ourselves by constant attendance at regular meetings, by participating in teaching activities, and by following a well-planned teaching course from the Sacred Writings.
The conference felt that there were new believers[Page 13]
that needed great assistance from the older Bahá’ís,
and it was felt that they could grasp more of the
Bahá’í Teachings, and at the same time increase their
interest, if given responsibility within their grasp, and
by being encouraged to take part in extension teaching
trips.
After a recess for dinner, the friends gathered to hear messages from Hand of the Cause John Robarts, and from the National Teaching Committee. A talk was given by Mrs. Audrey Robarts on “Extension Teaching,” which is our great need in spreading the Cause.
On the next day the discussion touched mostly on “Bahá’í Administration.” It was brought out that knowing the Administration would enable us to love and appreciate any responsibility given us, that we would not absent ourselves from meetings unnecessarily, and that we would have confidence within ourselves in our teaching.
Finally there was a quiz presented by Mrs. Florence Fat’he-Azám. The quiz was so arranged that the Bahá’ís Wished they had read most of the books before the quiz! Later on a copy-list of where to find the answers in the Bahá’í books was given for reference, This meant that the friends would have to look up the answers, and in doing so would help to deepen themselves.
—SOUTH AND WEST AFRICA NEWSLETTER
Ten Latin American Countries Need More Pioneers To Attain Formation of National Assembly[edit]
Following the beautiful and stirring message of November 30 from our leaders, the Hands of the Cause of God, the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee again renews its appeal for pioneer volunteers. No one whose heart throbs with love for Bahá’u’lláh has failed to be stirred by the joyful hope of the establishment of the Universal House of Justice in 1963, nor by the appeal to each individual to do his share to bring the beloved Guardian’s Crusade to a triumphant consummation.
Twenty of the Pillars of the Universal House of Justice—twenty new national spiritual assemblies—must be established in Latin America. While the past five and a half years have witnessed a great expansion of the Faith in many of these Republics, the minimum base for a national assembly, the required number of local assemblies set by the beloved Guardian still remains to be built in no less than ten of them. As pointed out by the Hands of the Cause, this year is critical. The required near local assemblies must be started immediately in order to achieve the victory.
The Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee welcomes the offer of any volunteer to pioneer in Latin America, or to fill the place here in the United States of someone who is ready to leave but cannot until his place on an assembly or goal group is taken. Address: Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, secretary; 73 College Road West; Princeton, N.J.
—WESTERN HEMISPHERE TEACHING COMMITTEE
Stresses Value of “The Bahá’í World” In Teaching at Pioneer Outposts[edit]
Assuming that each Bahá’í who reads this already has his personal copy of The Bahá’í World, Vol. XII, have you ever thought of its forceful teaching value in pioneer outposts, or in any part of the world where literature is scarce and the Faith is little known?
Bahá’ís of Lancaster and Millersville, Pa., combined efforts in observance of Human Rights Day. There was
a public meeting at the YMCA in Lancaster on December 7, following the state convention, with Annamarie
Honnold speaking on “A Bahá’í Looks at Human Rights.” The above photograph shows the Human Rights display in the window of the Lancaster Free Public Library for one week before the meeting.
Although this international record is timeless in its
value to Bahá’ís as an historical record and document[Page 14]
of the period covered, now is the time when it should
be where it can command the attention of the public
wherever possible.
Perhaps you, or your assembly, know of a college or university library that does not have this volume. Inquiries from college students doing research on the Faith increases constantly at the National Center, and there is no better work to which to direct their attention.
In 1928 Shoghi Effendi urged “prompt and widespread circulation” of these volumes, stating they stood “unexcelled and unapproached by any publication of its kind” in the literature of our Cause. Although The Bahá’í World has been enlarged and developed considerably since that date, it is doubtful that we have yet achieved the circulation which the Guardian stated in this same letter would “arouse unprecedented interest among all classes of civilized society.” (Bahá’í Administration, p. 157)
Volumes XII is shipped postpaid to any point in the U.S. and Territories for $15.00, to any point outside of the US. for $15.75, or, if sent as a gift outside the U.S. (with the recipient to be selected from list at the Bahá’í Publishing Trust) the cost will be $15.00 also. In the latter case the name of the donor of the gift volume is sent to the recipient so that the source of the gift is known to them.
—BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST
Los Angeles Community Sets Goal For Regular Contributors to Fund[edit]
As one of its local objectives in the homefront campaign the Local Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, Calif, has set a goal of 70% of the members of the community as regular contributors to the Bahá’í Fund. Progress reports are given by the treasurer at each Nineteen-Day Feast.
Starting with April 21, 1958, as the base, the number of regular contributors has steadily increased until at the end of the first six months the percentage had almost doubled.
This is one aim on which all communities and groups should focus attention during the next four years.
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Geyserville Bahá’í School Announces Dates for 1959 Sessions[edit]
The Geyserville Bahá’í School Program Committee has announced the dates of the 1959 sessions, which have been approved by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly as follows:
June 21 to June 23——Youth Session
June 29 to July 4—Work-Study Session
July 5 to August 16—Regular Sessions
August 17 to August 29—Work—Study Session
August 30 to September 7—Regular Session
No adults will be registered for the Youth Session except staff members necessary to run the school. Youth Will also be welcomed at all other sessions. The work-study sessions will have a minimum study program of one class per day and devotions. The rest of the time will be spent on work projects for the improvement of the school. A flat rate of $10.00 per week will be charged all registrants for the work-study sessions to apply on the cost of food and lodging
Entrance to the remodeled cafeteria at Geyserville
Bahá’í School in California.
Anyone who is interested in a scholarship for the
Youth Session or the regular sessions should apply
to the Geyserville Bahá’í School, Geyserville, Calif.
Brotherhood Award Given NSA Chairman[edit]
H. Borrah Kavelin, chairman of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, and five other leaders of religion in this country were given Brotherhood Key awards by the Labor Temple Fellowship, Inc., at a Brotherhood Brunch on December 21. This large interfaith group is affiliated with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Mr. Kavelin spoke for about fifteen minutes on the Bahá’í Faith, its Divine Source, and what Bahá’ís throughout the world are doing in the promotion of brotherhood.
Bahá’í Message Given at All-Faith Chapel[edit]
The All-Faith Chapel of Solar Aircraft Co., San Diego, Calif., invited Michael Rochester, a local Bahá’í, to speak at chapel services in December. Brief talks and readings from the Bahá’í Writings were given to two groups of employees, totalling about 100 persons.
Speakers for the services are selected by an interfaith board of nine employees, one of whom is a Bahá’í. The chapel, built by employees with company funds, was dedicated in 1955 at a service in which the Bahá’í community was represented.
BAHA’I IN THE NEWS[edit]
A handbook published by the University of Chicago in its section devoted to religious groups refers to the Bahá’í discussion group “created to relate the ethical teachings of the Bahá’í Faith to the life on campus.”
The Standard Oil Company map of Chicago and vicinity includes the Bahá’í House of Worship in its section on points of interest.
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Davenport,
Iowa, for 1958-1959, incorporated on November 5, 1958,
making the eighty-fourth local assembly of the continental United States to be incorporated.
Mark Tobey has won a grand prize at the Venice
Biennals, the most important international art exhibit,
Life Magazine for July 21, 1958, reports.
Mr. Tobey is the first American artist to win this honor since James McNeill Whistler some fifty years ago.
The Ladies Home Journal for October publishes on page 14 an excerpt from Prescription for Living by Rúḥíyyih Khánum. This magazine each month uses a brief selection from various literary works.
The Bulletin of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Lancaster, Penna., quotes a statement by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá concerning the mission of women.
The American Mercury, October issue, publishes a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly correcting an erroneous reference to the Faith in an article entitled “The Brotherhood” by Hilary Grey, which appeared in the March issue.
The Israel Office of Information is issuing a series of pamphlets entitled This is Israel. No. 6, “Religious Life” contains a paragraph about the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa. The Israeli Ministry for Religious Affairs has established a special department for relations with the Bahá’í Faith.
A Brussels, Belgium, weekly entitled L’Afrique et le Mond February 6, 1958, ran a three-column article entitled “African Intercontinental Conference of Bahá’ís” which stated the Faith is a “ Religious Moslem Sect of Persia.” The National Spiritual Assembly of the Benelux Countries corrected this error and the letter written by that Assembly was published on February 20.
A pamphlet entitled Israel; Ten Years of Progress—1948-1958 published by the American Committee for Israel’s tenth anniversary celebration, includes a section on religious communities which refers to the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa. “The Bahá’í Shrine is a prominent landmark.”
The Bellaire Texan, August 13, reports the launching of a Bahá’í group in the city by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Worth Sparks, Jr. Besides publishing a photograph of Mr. and Mrs. Sparks with their Child, the article gives a very complete summary of the Bahá’í Teachings in the form of an interview.
From Nashua, N.H., it is reported that the text book on algebra used in the junior high school contains a full page picture of the Bahá’í Temple.
The Israel Review, a monthly summary published by the Legation of Israel, Bangkok, contained in its May issue illustrations of the International Archives building and the Shrine of the Báb.
Wilmette Life, August 28, published a story concerning the two Bahá’í programs telecast over WEBM TV on August 24 and August 31. The same issue ran a photograph of an express cruiser sailing on Lake Michigan with a view of the Bahá’í House of Worship in the background.
Wisconsin State Journal, Sunday, August 3, published a feature story by John Newhouse explaining the importance to surgery of an urea solution developed at the University of Wisconsin as result of research extended over a period of years. Prominently identified with the new development was Dr. Manucher Javid, associate professor of neurosurgery, and a member of the Bahá’í Faith. The significance of the urea solution is that it lowers the pressure within the skull—of vital importance in cases of cranial surgery. The article Was illustrated by a photograph showing the actual operation in progress. The story of this important event was also distributed by United Press. The New York Times story on Sunday, August 24, stated: “The two Wisconsin scientists were Dr. Manucher Javid, associate professor of surgery, and the late Dr. Paul Settlage, associate professor of anatomy.”
The Stars and Stripes, newspaper of the American armed forces in Europe, on August 2 mentioned the Intercontinental Conference in Frankfurt, and illustrated the model of the Bahá’í Temple to be constructed in Europe.
People and Places, an illustrated monthly magazine published by DeSoto dealers, carried in September a two-page illustrated feature on the Bahá’í Temple. In addition to a full-page illustration of the Temple, three small illustrations of the interior of the dome, one of the texts carved on the nine entrance doors, and a picture of the interior were shown. The accompanying text, summarizing the purpose and design of the House of Worship, was taken from accurate sources. This article was written by Marshall K. McClelland, a free-lance writer who has made a careful study of Bahá’í literature.
The Courrier du Littoral, published at Ostend, Belgium, carried a display article on the Martyrdom of the Báb.
Dallas Times Herald, August 22, announced the opening of the first Bahá’í Summer School in the Southwestern States, and outlined the program.
The Muellermist Irrigation Company, Maywood, 111., manufacturers of automatic lawn sprinkling systems, has distributed an illustrated descriptive folder listing important installations that includes the Bahá’í Temple. The Temple also appears on a page illustrating several installations.
The Nashville Banner, July 31, published an extensive notice on the passing of Nellie Jennings Roche:
“Recognized as one of the South's outstanding women
in the insurance profession. A . A The great-great-granddaughter of Gen. James Robertson, founder of Nashville, she had lived in Nashville all her life and been active in its civic and religious affairs. . . . Originally a member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Miss Roche[Page 16]
became a member of the Bahá’í Faith about thirty
years ago. She served as chairman of the Bahá’í community here several years ago.”
On August 10 the Chicago Sunday Tribune published the seventh in a series of articles by Louise Hutchinson “telling how a Tribune reporter found that Chicago and suburbs are a delightful place for a vacation.” This article described a Sunday morning meeting in the Methodist Temple. “But there is another House of Worship in the Chicago area that is unique in all the world.” This statement introduced an excellent description of the Bahá’í Temple and its purpose.
Three current books contain references to the Faith. Letters from Jerusalem by Mary Clawson, published by Abelard-Schuman, 1957; Put off Thy Shoes by Elizabeth Hamilton, Scribners, 1957; and Islám in Modern History, by Wilfred Cantwell Smith, Princeton University Press, 1957 .
Chemical Bulletin, September 1958, a monthly trade journal published by the Chicago Section of the American Chemical Society, describes a journey in and around Chicago of interest to Society members attending a convention in Chicago. This journey includes a visit to the Bahá’í Temple — “One of the most interesting and beautiful buildings in the Chicago area . . . a glittering gem in white and myriad colors.”
The Year Book of International Organizations, 1958-59, published by the Union of International Organizations in official collaboration with United Nations, lists the Bahá’í International Community on pages 261-262 in the section on Religion and Ethics. The twenty-three National assemblies participating in the Bahá’í International Community at the time this statement was prepared, are all listed.
National Bahá’í Addresses[edit]
Please Address Mail Correctly!
National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters:[edit]
536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill
National Treasurer:[edit]
112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
Make Checks Payable to: National Balla”i Fund[edit]
Bahá’í Publishing Trust:[edit]
110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
Bahá’í News:[edit]
Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette. Ill.
Subscription And change M address: 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
Nashville as a World Religious Center, by James
W. Carty, Jr., is a very attractive brochure which illustrates and describes the various churches represented in the city. A brief reference to the Faith appears on page 23.
The September 1958 issue of The Diners Club magazine contains an article on Israel by Jack O'Brien; “the view from Carmel is best at sunrise when the gold dome of the Bahá’í Shrine, set above its Persian gardens, nearly equals the sun in brilliance.”
The Chicago American Pictorial Living magazine, October 26, carries an article by Irving Rudolph which presents the Bahá’í Temple as the author’s “favorite work of art.” The House of Worship is illustrated by a night view photograph.
Chase’s Calendar of Annual Events, replacing the annual list formerly published by the United States Chamber of Commerce, lists both World Religion Day and Race Amity Day in the 1959 edition.
Wilmette Life, November 6, publishes a page of photographs entitled “Photographic Studies of the North Shore at Night,” one picture being a night view of the Bahá’í Temple.
Calendar of Events[edit]
FEASTS[edit]
February 7—Mulk (Dominion)
March 2——‘Alá’ (Lottiness)
INTERCALARY DAYS[edit]
(Ayyám-i-Há), February 26 to March 1
DAYS OF FASTING[edit]
March 2-21
U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS[edit]
February 13-15
Bahá’í House of Worship[edit]
Visiting Hours[edit]
Weekdays
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Auditorium only)
Sundays and Holidays
10:30 am. to 5:00 p.m. (Entire building)
Service of Worship[edit]
Sundays
3:30 to 4:10 p.m.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í World Community,
Reports, plans, news items, and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United States as well as from national assemblies of other lands. Material is due in Wilmette on the first day of the month preceding the date or issue for which it is intended.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1953-59: Mrs. Eunice Braun, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Richard C. Thomas.
Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette. Illinois, U.S,A.
Change of address should be reported directly to ‘National Bahá’í Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.
